India leads in global internet shutdowns for sixth year
India recorded 116 instances of internet shutdowns in 2023, representing 41% of the 283 shutdowns worldwide, according to data analyzed by Access Now, a non-profit organization focusing on digital rights. This marks the sixth consecutive year that India has led the world in such measures. Since 2016, Access Now has recorded a total of 1,458 global shutdowns, with India being responsible for over half (773 or 53%).
Economic impact of internet shutdowns on India
The report also highlighted the economic consequences of these shutdowns on India. "Shutdowns reportedly cost the country [India] $1.9 billion and a loss of $118 million in foreign investment in the first half of 2023 alone," it stated. The Internet Society's NetLoss Calculator, referenced in the report, estimated that a single-day shutdown could potentially push up to 379 people into unemployment in India.
Geographical distribution and impact of shutdowns
The report revealed that 64 shutdowns affected more than one district within India, largely driven by 47 shutdowns in Manipur and a statewide shutdown in Punjab during March. Internet services were suspended in Manipur from May 3 to December 3, totaling a staggering 212days. "The impact was very severe, particularly for women, as the shutdowns made it more difficult to document rampant atrocities, including murder, rape, arson, and other gender-based violence," the report noted.
Internet shutdowns in other countries
Internationally, Myanmar followed India with 37 internet shutdowns, and Iran with 34. In total, 39 countries experienced internet shutdowns in 2023. Pakistan and Iraq had seven and six shutdowns respectively. The report also pointed out that "Authorities have leveraged internet shutdowns as a blatant tool for enabling and exacerbating violence, war crimes, and other atrocities." In conflict-ridden Palestine and Ukraine, there were 16 and eight shutdowns respectively.
Triggers and consequences of internet shutdowns
Conflicts triggered 74 internet shutdowns across nine countries, including India, while protests led to 63 shutdowns across 15 countries in 2023, according to the report. Additionally, 12 shutdowns in six countries were ordered to prevent cheating during exams. The study also identified natural disasters as an "emerging trigger" for shutdowns with four instances recorded across four countries. Furthermore, it found that 51 shutdowns in 11 countries coincided with "documented grave human rights abuses".
Increase in platform blocks worldwide
The number of platform blocks increased by 35.6% from 39 blocks in 29 countries in 2022 to 53 blocks in 25 countries in 2023, the report revealed. Outside of India, Facebook was the most blocked messaging platform followed by Grindr. Facebook was blocked 23 times across 11 countries, X (formerly Twitter) was blocked 21 times across 10 countries, WhatsApp was blocked 19 times across nine countries, and YouTube was blocked 17 times across seven countries.
